Convertible reusable bag apparatus and methods of manufacture thereof

ABSTRACT

A convertible, reusable bag includes a first bag wall; a first side panel; a second side panel; a second bag wall aligned and joined to the first bag wall by the first side panel and the second side panel at a first heat sealed and/or sewn side edge, a second heat sealed and/or sewn side edge, respectively; a bag bottom comprising a substantially planar, foldable surface, the first and the second bag walls, the first and the second side panels, and the bottom formed of a single sheet and together arranged to form a bag defining an opening at a top thereof; a handle attached to a lower portion of the first wall at a first end, and an upper portion of the second wall at the second end; a transverse panel heat-sealed and/or sewn to the upper portion of the first wall and configured to include a gap in the seal that forms a loop through which the handle is slidable.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to pouches or bags. In particular, the disclosure relates to versatile, foldable, flexible, reusable pouches or bags with convertible carrying configurations.

BACKGROUND

Conventional, single use plastic bags used worldwide are ubiquitous and have a tremendous impact on the environment, contributing to waste and pollution. Such bags are nonetheless desired by consumers because they are inexpensive, light, and flexible enough to easily conform to goods and fold compactly for packaging, and yet strong enough to support a full load of goods.

Conventional bags, may include one or more handles. For example, some bags are made of a non-woven fabric sheet or sheets arranged to form a bag and defining an opening. To ensure adequate strength for both single and repeated uses, sewing is used to seal side and bottom edges, in addition to handle attachment points for convention reuseable bags.

For example, the top peripheral edge of the conventional bag may include a double-layer portion that is formed by folding down the top portion of the bag at the opening. The double-layer portion is both sewn and bonded by discontinuous ultrasonic sealing. A strip having two ends is attached to the bag to form a handle. Each end of the strip may be arranged to contact the double-layered portion of the bag by an interposing attachment member to provide additional strength. The handle and attachment portion are fastened to the double-layer of the bag by a combination of sewing, heat sealing, and ultrasonic sealing. The handles are fixed in length and non-adjustable, presented only in a hand-carry or shoulder carry configuration.

SUMMARY

A need has been recognized for bags with versatile, multi-functional handles and having a strength sufficient for multiple while having a thin profile, flexibility, and a manufacturing cost corresponding competitive to conventional single use bags. A versatile bag having a flexible, thin profile, a handle arrangement constructed for multiple hold and carry configurations, and a strength and durability suitable for multiple, repeated bag uses while having a manufacturing cost and material cost competitive with conventional bags is disclosed. An increasing and unmet demand exists for packaging configured for multiple uses to minimize material waste and environmental impact. Bag apparatus and methods of manufacture thereof in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein meet, inter alia, these needs and demands.

Bag apparatus and methods of manufacture thereof in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure enable efficient use of packaging materials, minimizing packing costs, maximizing utility, and minimizing environmental impact of disposable bag and pouch usage. Reusable bags in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure are configured for compact folding, and may include a strong, resilient handle pair. Bags of some embodiments may include a plurality of gusset panels enhancing resusability and foldability. Bags of embodiments may be formed of woven or non-woven material that is suitable for heat and pressure sealing.

For example, in an embodiment, the foldable bag or pouch is formed of a now known or later developed material, which may be woven or non-woven, having sufficient strength, flexibility, and durability for carrying a load and for re-use. In some embodiments, the material comprises polyethylene terepthalate (“PET”). For example, the PET may be recycled (“rPET”). In some embodiments, the material may comprise polypropylene.

The bags or pouches may be cut and constructed to be any suitable size or shape. By way of example, bag apparatus of an embodiment may be formed to have a width of 18 inches, a length of 17 inches, and a bottom of 6 inches across. In an embodiment, a thickness of the bag lies in a range of thicknesses, measured in units of gram weights, of 30 grams per square meter to 300 grams per square meter, for example. The bag apparatus has handles and is foldable for efficient storage and flexible for conformability to contents.

The bag handles of embodiments of the disclosure are configured on the bag body for converting from a hand-carry configuration, to a shoulder-carry configuration, or to a backpack configuration. The bag includes a pair of handles formed of straps, each having a first end and a second end. The straps are attached at respective first ends to the bag body at a lower portion of a first side thereof. The straps are attached at respective second ends to the bag body at an upper portion of a second side thereof. The straps extend from the attached second ends each through loops formed by or fixed to the bag body. Accordingly, the straps are each loosely attached to the bag body above the respective ends at which they are instead fixedly attached.

Specifically, the straps in accordance with embodiments are slidably attached by the loops formed on the second side, or back side of the bag. This permits the straps to freely travel through the loop enclosure until sufficient pressure is applied to force the straps each against their respective loops thereby restraining further movement to cause the straps to be positioned in a specified configuration. The straps may thus be positioned in a handle, hand or shoulder-carry configuration by sliding the straps to a fully extended length above a top of the bag. The straps may alternatively be positioned in a backpack configuration by sliding the straps to a fully extended length toward a side and bottom of the back, and the first ends of the straps.

A bag apparatus in accordance with an embodiment includes a first bag wall; a first side panel; a second side panel; a second bag wall aligned and joined to the first bag wall by the first side panel and the second side panel at a first heat sealed side edge, a second heat sealed side edge, respectively; a bag bottom comprising a substantially planar, foldable surface, the first and the second bag walls, the first and the second side panels, and the bottom formed of a single sheet and together arranged to form a bag defining an opening at a top thereof; a handle attached to a lower portion of the first wall at a first end, and an upper portion of the second wall at the second end; a transverse panel heat-sealed to the upper portion of the first wall and configured to include a gap in the seal that forms a loop through which the handle is slidable.

A system in accordance with an embodiment includes a convertible, reusable backpack bag with handles or straps configured and arranged for conversion to a backpack, a handbag, and/or a shoulderbag. Systems include a fastener configured to join separate handles together.

A method in accordance with an embodiment includes providing a planar, flexible sheet comprising a material suitable for heat sealing or sewing. Methods include folding the sheet and heat sealing to form an open-ended bag having a front, a back, a first side, a second side, and a bottom, wherein the first side and the second side and the bottom are constructed and arranged to be foldable inward in a configuration that causes the bag to naturally collapse into a folded configuration; and forming or attaching a plurality of handles connected to an upper portion of the first side and a lower portion of the second side, and slideable through loops formed on the second side.

Additional features and technical effects of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description wherein embodiments of the present disclosure are described simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated to carry out the present disclosure. In addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, other and different embodiments are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosure is shown by way of example in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements.

FIG. 1 shows a front side perspective view of a bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2A shows a top view of a bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of a bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3A shows a front view of a bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3B shows a back view of a bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4A shows a side view of a bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4B shows a side view of a bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a front bottom perspective view of a bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a back side perspective view of a bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a top perspective of a bag in accordance with an embodiment in a handle configuration;

FIG. 8 shows a top perspective of a bag in accordance with an embodiment in a backpack configuration

FIG. 9A shows an embodiment of a bag and strap clip fastener in accordance with an embodiment of a bag in a should carry configuration;

FIG. 9B shows an embodiment of a bag and strap loop fastener in accordance with an embodiment of a bag in a should carry configuration;

FIG. 10 shows an S-clip fastener for fastening bag handles/straps to from a should strap for a bag in accordance with an embodiment

FIG. 11 shows a loop fastener for fastening bag handles/straps to from a should strap for a bag in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments. It should be apparent, however, that exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring exemplary embodiments. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, ratios, and numerical properties of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.”

Embodiments of a reusable bag apparatus having a convertible handle configuration and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. Apparatus of embodiments advantageously include handles configured and attached to a reusable bag that is flexible and conformable. The bag is formed of any now known or later developed material, including woven or non-woven polymeric material, such as, for example polypropylene, or PET, or rPET. For the example, the bag wall material may comprise rPET. Consumer demand for plastic bags has previously been met by providing thin plastic bags that are flexible, light, and inexpensive, but at the expense of durability and typically configured limited or single use. Recently, consumer demand has increasingly required flexible, thin, and light bags having sufficient strength for multiple uses. Reusable bags with handles and having flexibility, and minimal materials and manufacturing costs are disclosed.

Bags in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure have handles configured and arranged for adjustment of strap length and position. In particular, bags in accordance with embodiments include handles that are adjustable by extending away from a side of the bag to a backpack configuration, and extending away from a top of a bag to a handle configuration.

A reusable bag with handles is shown in FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bag 100 including a bag body 101, a front wall 103, a back wall 105, and side walls 107. These walls are aligned and joined to a bottom (not shown) leaving open unsealed fourth side at a top of the bag 100. The walls may be formed of any now known or later developed material such as polypropylene and polyethylene terepthalate. The first wall 101 and the second wall 103 may be formed of the same material, and the sides 105 and the bottom 107 may be formed of the same material as the walls 101 and 103. The sheet material may be clear, colored, or printable, woven or non-woven.

A thickness of the sheets or bag walls may be any useful thickness, and preferably have a thin profile. In some embodiments, a thickness of a polypropylene non-woven bag bag is selected from a range of thicknesses, measured in units of gram weights, up to 300 grams, and preferably from 30 grams per square meter to 300 grams per square meter.

In some embodiments, a bag is formed of a single sheet, folded and configured to form a an open ended foldable bag. In other embodiments, the bag is formed of multiple separate penls fused together by heat-sealing. In an embodiment, only heat-sealing is used to form the bag and attach handles. In other embodiments, a combination of heat-sealing and minimal stitching is used. In other embodiments, only stitching is used.

In particular, FIG. 1 shows that the sheet forming the bag 100 is formed by joining the front wall 103 and the back wall 105 by way of side walls 107 and a bottom (not shown). A pair of handles 109 is fixed at upper attachment points 113 near a top of the bag body 101 at first ends of the handles 109. The handles 109 are fixed to a lower portion 111 of the bag body 101 at lower attachment points 115 at second ends of the handles 109. The handles 109 are formed of straps that are configured to pass through an attachment mechanism for slidably securing the handles 109 to the bag body 101 at points along the straps that are between the first and second ends of the handles 109.

In particular, a loop 117 is formed by a combination of a transverse layer 119 and the back wall 105 of the bag body 101. The handles are configured to pass through the loops, thereby slidably securing the handles 109 to the bag body 101. Accordingly, the handles 109 may be adjusted to a desired position and length of extension from the top or side of the bag body 101.

FIG. 1 shows the bag body 101 including a fastener 121 in the form of a snap-fit button mechanism. In other embodiments, the bag body 101 may be fitted with any now known or later developed fastening mechanism.

FIG. 2A shows a top view of a reusable bag in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, FIG. 2A shows a bag 100 having a front wall 103, a rear wall 105, side walls 107, and handles 109 configured for converting between a handle configuration and a backpack configuration. FIG. 2A shows an interior bottom 225 of the bag 100.

FIG. 2B shows a top view of a reusable bag in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, FIG. 2B shows a bag 100 having a front wall 103, a rear wall 105, side walls 107, and handles 109 configured for converting between a handle configuration and a backpack configuration. FIG. 2B shows a bottom 227 of the bag 100.

FIG. 3A shows a back view of a reusable bag in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, FIG. 3A shows the bag 100 including a rear wall 105, and handles 109. FIG. 3A shows lower handle attachment points 115 to which the handles 109 are fixedly attached, and loops 117 whereby the handles 109 are slidably attached. A transverse panel 119 forms the loops 117 with the rear wall 105 to which the panel 119 is attached by heat-sealing. A gap in the heat-sealing sealing at the handle securing or slideable attachment points forms the loop structure of loops 117.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of the bag 100 including a front wall 103, and handles 109 fixedly attached to the front wall 103 by upper attachment points 113. The upper attachment points 113 are located at or near a top of the bag 100. The bag 100 includes a fastening device 121 in form of a snap-fit fastener.

The bag 100 shown in FIG. 3B includes a third set of attachment points. In particular, the handle straps 109 extend below the upper attachment points 113 to the front lower attachment points 329. The handle straps are heat-sealed to the front wall 103 along the length of the straps and at the upper attachment points 113 and the front lower attachments points 329.

FIGS. 4A-4B shows side views of the bag 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3B. FIGS. 4A-4B show that the sides 107 of the bag 100 are reversibly foldable surfaces, expandable to form a substantially planar surface. FIGS. 4A-4B show the bag 100 in a semi-open or unfolded configuration. FIGS. 4A-4B show the handles 109, the transverse member 119, and the fastener 121.

A reusable bag with handles is shown in FIG. 5. In particular, FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of a bag 100 in the semi-open configuration shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. FIG. 5 shows that the bottom 227. Thus, the bag 100 is collapsible for storage, and expandable for use. FIG. 5 shows side walls 107, and handle straps 109 extending below upper attachment points 113 to the front lower attachment points 329. The handle straps are heat-sealed to the front wall 103 along the length of the straps and at the upper attachment points 113 and the front lower attachments points 329 to enhance strength, durability and bag rigidity for form.

FIG. 6 shows bag 100 including a back wall 105, side walls 107, and handles 109. The handles 109 extend from an upper attachment points 113 to lower attachment points 115. The straps of the handles are not attached to the bag between the upper attachment points 113 and the lower attachment points 115. The straps are configured to pass through loops 117 formed by the rear panel 105 and a transverse member 119. The transverse member 119 is heat-sealed to the rear wall 105. The handles 109 are heat sealed and fixed at the upper attachments points 113 and the lower attachment points 115, and slidably through the loops 117 of adjustment to various configurations, including a handle configuration and a backpack configuration.

FIG. 7 shows a top perspective view of a reusable bag 100 having convertible handles in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, FIG. 7 shows a person 700 using the bag 100 in a handle configuration wherein the handles 109 are fully extended away from a top of the bag 100, causing the handles to lay flat against a side of the back of the bag 100.

FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of a reusable bag 100 having convertible handles in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, FIG. 8 shows a person 800 using the bag 100 in a backpack configuration. In particular, FIG. 8 shows the back 100 and the handles 109 fully extended from a back side thereof. The handles 109 are arranged over the users shoulders, with the user arms extending therethrough.

FIG. 9A shows an embodiment of a bag and strap clip fastener in accordance with an embodiment of a bag in a should carry configuration. In particular, FIG. 9A shows a bag 100 including handles/straps 109. The handles are convertible to a backpack configuration, as discussed above. Additionally, the handles may be joined to form a should carry configuration useful for carrying on the shoulder by a user 700 as shown in FIG. 9A. For example, a first strap 109 a may be joined to a second strap 109 b by a fastener. The fastener shown in FIG. 9A is a clip type fastener 950.

FIG. 9B shows an embodiment of a bag and strap loop fastener in accordance with an embodiment of a bag in a should carry configuration. In particular, FIG. 9B shows a bag 100 including handles/straps 109. The handles are convertible to a backpack configuration, as discussed above. Additionally, the handles may be joined to form a should carry configuration useful for carrying on the shoulder by a user 700 as shown in FIG. 9B. For example, a first strap 109 a may be joined to a second strap 109 b by a fastener. The fastener shown in FIG. 9A is a loop type fastener 955.

The loop type fastener 955 includes a first portion 955 a that is passed through a second portion 955 b forming loops. The first portion 955 a includes a surface that is fastenable to a complementary surface of the second portion 955 b. For example, the first portion 955 a may be attached to the second handle 109 b, and the first portion 109 a may be attached to the first handle 109 a. The first portion 955 a may be passed through the second portion 955 b and attached by a hook and loop fastener system to the second portion 955 b. Thus, the first handle 109 a and the second handle 109 b may be fastened in a shoulder carry configuration.

A width of the handles 109 may be any appropriate width. Preferably, for bags intended for convertible use as a should carry bag, the width of the handles 109 may be one inch. In an other embodiment, the width may be greater than one inch. For example, the width may be 1.5 inches. Such widths have been determined to be particularly comfortable and useful for should carry configurations, and also back pack and hand carry configurations.

FIG. 10 shows a clip type fastener 950. For example, the clip may be an “S” clip configured with two open sides for sliding thereon a handle or strap of bags of embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 shows a loop type fastener 955. For example, the loop fastener The first portion 955 a may be passed through the second portion 955 b and attached by a hook and loop fastener system to the second portion 955 b. The textured regions shown in FIG. 11 represent, by way of example, a hook and loop fastener system.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of methods useful for manufacturing a reusable bag with handles that facilitate conversion from handle configuration to a backpack configuration. In particular, FIG. 12 shows a process 1200 including providing a planar, flexible sheet comprising a material suitable for heat sealing at S12001. The material is selected for a thin profile, high durability, flexibility, compactness, and durability sufficient for reuse. The process 1200 includes providing a bag having a bottom, a front side, a back side, and side panels at S12001. The process includes providing handles in the form of straps at S12003. The process includes attaching the handles at a lower portion of the back side of the bag at S12005. The handles are fixedly attached by heat-sealing, or by sewing, or by a combination thereof.

The handles are attached at an opposite end to an upper portion of the front side of the bag at S12007. The handles are attached to the upper portion of the front side of the bag by heat-sealing. The handles are otherwise separated from the back side of the bag. At S12009, a transverse member is applied to the back side of the bag. The transverse bag is heat sealed to the back side of the back along a length thereof with the exception of gaps in the seal that form loops. The loops are sized and configured for the straps of the handles to pass therethrough. The length of the handle straps are sufficient for slidably moving through the loops between a handle configuration and a backpack configuration.

Embodiments are shown by way of example, and not by way of limitation in the figures and drawings. While the invention has been described in connection with a number of embodiments and implementations, the invention is not so limited but covers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims. Although features of the invention are expressed in certain combinations among the claims, it is contemplated that these features can be arranged in any combination and order. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bag apparatus, comprising: a first bag wall; a first side panel; a second side panel; a second bag wall aligned and joined to the first bag wall by the first side panel and the second side panel at a first heat sealed side edge, a second heat sealed side edge, respectively; a bag bottom comprising a substantially planar, foldable surface, the first and the second bag walls, the first and the second side panels, and the bottom formed of a single sheet and together arranged to form a bag defining an opening at a top thereof; a handle attached to a lower portion of the first wall at a first end, and an upper portion of the second wall at the second end; a transverse panel heat-sealed to the upper portion of the first wall and configured to include a gap in the seal that forms a loop through which the handle is slidable.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, the handle being a first handle, the apparatus comprising: a second handle attached to a lower portion of the first wall at a first end, and an upper portion of the second wall at the second end.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, the loop being a first loop, the apparatus comprising: a second loop formed by the transverse panel and the upper portion of the first wall through which the second handle is slidable.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, the handles further comprising: an elongated strap portion of the handle heat sealed to the first wall, and extending from the upper attachment point to a lower first wall attachment point.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a fastening system configured to secure an open top of the bag in a closed position.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, the fastening system further comprising: a snap-fit button comprising a male portion and a female portion attached to the first wall and the second wall, respectively, and configured to engage to one another.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, the transverse member further comprising vertical and horizontal heat seals forming the loop.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a woven material forming the bag.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a non-woven material forming the bag.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, the material further comprising a thickness in a range of thicknesses, measured in units of gram weights, of 30 grams per square meter to 150 grams per square meter, and the material comprising polypropylene or polyethylene polyethylene terepthalate.
 11. A system, comprising: a convertible backpack bag comprising: a first bag wall; a first side panel; a second side panel; a second bag wall aligned and joined to the first bag wall by the first side panel and the second side panel; a bag bottom comprising a substantially planar, foldable surface, the first and the second bag walls, the first and the second side panels, and the bottom formed of a single sheet and together arranged to form a bag defining an opening at a top thereof; a handle attached to a lower portion of the first wall at a first end, and an upper portion of the second wall at the second end; a transverse panel attached to the upper portion of the first wall and configured to include a gap in the seal that forms a loop through which the handle is slidable a fastener system configured to join the handle to a second handle.
 12. The system of claim 11, the fastener system comprising: a loop fastener comprising a first portion interlocking with a second portion, each attachable to separate bag handles; or a clip for joining separate bag handles.
 13. A method of forming a bag, comprising: providing a planar, flexible sheet comprising a material suitable for heat sealing or sewing; folding the sheet and heat sealing to form an open-ended bag having a front, a back, a first side, a second side, and a bottom, wherein the first side and the second side and the bottom are constructed and arranged to be foldable inward in a configuration that causes the bag to naturally collapse into a folded configuration; and forming or attaching a plurality of handles connected to an upper portion of the first side and a lower portion of the second side, and slideable through loops formed on the second side.
 14. The method of claim 13, the handles further comprising straps.
 15. The method of claim 13, forming or attaching further comprising: attaching the handles to the upper portion of the first side by heat-sealing or sewing.
 16. The method of claim 13, the forming or attaching further comprising: attaching the handles to the lower portion of the second side by heat-sealing or sewing.
 17. The method of claim 13, the material further comprising polyethylene terepthalate.
 18. The method of claim 13, the material further comprising polyethylene terepthalate, recycled polyethylene terepthalate, or polypropylene.
 19. The method of claim 13, the material being selected from a woven material or a non-woven material, and comprising a thickness in a range of thicknesses, measured in units of gram weights, of 30 grams per square meter to 300 grams per square meter.
 20. The method of claim 16, comprising: attaching a transverse panel to the second side; and heat-sealing or sewing the transverse member to the second side and defining gaps in the seal to form loops through which the handles extend. 